People who consider themselves alternative, holistic or green may have found a new spiritual home online with Holistic Local, the webs latest social networking venue and established directory for over 4,000 alternative businesses.
The popularity of web-based social networking sites like MySpace and Friendster, where users make friends and contacts according to preferences declared via an online profiling system, has spread beyond the mainstream thanks to holistic lifestyle website Holistic Local.
According to Andy Metcalfe, Internet visionary and co-founder of the site, the convergence of social networking and public interest in alternative and natural living is a head-on meeting of two of the worlds fastest growing social phenomena.
So many people want to live more naturally, positively, sustainably and peacefully, says Andy, but until now its been hard to find friends and acquaintances with similar interests.
The advent of social networking sites has connected people beyond physical location, so now a community can be defined by its values and interests before its geographical location, he adds.
Within hours of its launch, people with an alternative outlook have posted their details on the new site hoping to make contact with like-minded souls and contact is being made. The UK and US sites have been quickest off the mark, uniting searchers with unifying interests such as healthy diets, complementary therapies and organic gardening, but also TV shows like Friends, Lost and even Desperate Housewives.
Whilst critics may say interest in natural living is the indulgence of a few self-centred navel-gazers, a looming energy crisis, chronic disease rising at epidemic rates and increasing numbers of wealthy, yet depressed people asking what life is all about, suggest that the trend is unstoppable.
“I am so excited about being a member of the Holistic Local community, says Gilly Evans Devon-based natural living devotee and typical Holistic Local member.
Its hard enough having ideas and habits that seem weird to most of my friends and the isolation sometimes makes me feel like giving up, complains Gilly. This wonderfully easy way of connecting with people with similar interests wherever they are based is a real help and can keep me positive about living in a more spiritual and environmentally-friendly way.
The huge, international popularity of Holistic Locals Natural Living Guide, which covers what it considers to be the key areas of alternative and holistic living such as natural health, healthy eating, going green and personal development, is another sign that there is a hunger not only for this sort of information, but also a meeting place for ideas and discussion albeit online.
You can try Holistic Local social networking for yourself at: www.holisticlocal.co.uk
Post submitted by Andy Metcalfe